NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ryan and Cal O’Reilly faced off hundreds of times growing up in Ontario. A puck would drop, their sticks would clash and the winner won things as varied as the last doughnut in a Tim Horton’s bag or the right to ride “shotgun” in the family car.

Tonight at the Sommet Center, the stakes will be higher.

“And this time, he can’t cheat,” said Ryan, the Avs rookie who, barring any lineup changes, will play against his brother for the first time as a pro when Colorado takes on the Nashville Predators.

Et tu, Cal?

“I’m sure we’ll have a couple of laughs about it, but he’s just another centerman I’m facing off against and just another player I’ll be playing against,” Cal O’Reilly said. “We’re both competitive guys. But it’s just another game, really. Afterward we can talk, but during the game, it’s about business and helping the team win.”

Jokes aside, Ryan O’Reilly calls a potential faceoff with Cal in a real NHL game “something we both always dreamed of. This is what it comes down to, the real thing. This is where it matters. It’s going to be weird.”

O’Reilly’s parents, Bonnie and Bryan, are planning to attend the game. Plenty more people from their hometown of Brucefield, Ontario, should be tuning in on TV.

“I’m pretty sure everyone will be watching from the whole Huron County area,” Ryan said.

While Ryan has stayed with the Avs the entire season as an 18-year-old rookie, Cal, 23, has alternated between the Predators and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. Ryan is coming off probably the best game of his career, a 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night in which he scored two short-handed goals on the same power play.

There is no jealousy from Cal over his younger brother’s success, even when his own has been mixed.

“I was thrilled for him to do that. It’s an amazing feat, 18 years old, even if you’re a first-rounder to come out and do that,” Cal said. “He’s a really mature kid for his age. I knew going in there he could stick and he did.”

Ryan was drafted 33rd in the 2009 draft; Cal went 150th, to Nashville in 2005.

“Every player has a different path. Ever since I’ve been playing hockey, it’s always been a little harder for me,” Cal said. “I’ve never been a high draft pick for the OHL or NHL, I’ve always had to prove myself a little more. But that’s the way it is. Some guys go through that, some get more opportunity earlier. I try to control what I can, and that’s playing my best wherever I’m playing. That’s what I try. He’s had a different path than me. But that’s great. Good for him.”

Said Ryan: “He’s a great guy, and I’ve always looked up to him. It’d be real special if we play in that game.”

Colorado at Nashville

6 p.m. tonight, ALT, KCKK 1510 AM

Spotlight on Pekka Rinne: Nashville has produced some very good goalies over the years, and Rinne is the latest. He lost a heartbreaking 1-0 shootout Tuesday to Phoenix, but has had a tremendous season for the Predators.

Avalanche: Colorado’s penalty-killing unit has killed 24 consecutive power plays. . . . Some veterans, including goalie Craig Anderson, had the day off from practice Wednesday. Anderson will start in goal tonight. Coach Joe Sacco said it was a maintenance day for Anderson and a handful of others. . . . The Avs say it is not out of the question right wing Milan Hejduk could play a game or two before the Olympic break. Hejduk (right knee) skated Wednesday.

Predators: Forward Martin Erat has 23 points (nine goals) in his past 25 games. . . . Veteran Jason Arnott has scored 10 of his 13 goals on home ice. . . . Nashville has nine players with 25 or more points. Only two teams (Chicago and Washington) have more, with 10. Adrian Dater, The Denver Post

WASHINGTON — Thirty games into the 82-game NHL season, and nearly six weeks after the Matt Duchene trade, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic discussed the state of his team before Tuesday’s 5-2 loss at the Washington Capitals.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Rockies continued to bolster their bullpen Wednesday by agreeing to a contract to bring left-handed reliever Jake McGee back to Colorado. A major-league source confirmed the news, but the Rockies have not made the signing official.